PASSENGER PLANE CRASHES IN SOUTH KOREA

Almost 200 people have died after a passenger jet crash-landed at South Korea’s Muan International Airport. At this stage, it’s believed that only two crew members have survived the crash.

The Boeing 737-800 carried 181 people, including the crew. It departed from Bangkok, Thailand and formed part of Jeju Air, South Korea’s biggest low-cost airline.  

The incident, which took place on Sunday, has been called South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster in more than 20 years.

The plane landed on its belly, slid off one of the runways and burst into flames. According to local fire authorities, it’s believed the accident was caused by the malfunctioning of landing gear.

CNN reports that the pilot made a mayday call shortly after the control tower warned about birds in the area.

Experts on the scene have urged the media and local officials not to speculate on the cause of the accident as it could take years to establish.

The two survivors, one male and one female have both been taken to local hospitals. They were rescued from the plane’s tale end which burst into flames.

The 33-year-old male was admitted to the intensive care unit with fractures in his back. According to reports, he told doctors, “When I woke up, I realised I had been rescued”.

Image credit: The Hill